Milas forest fire forces evacuation of 1,120 residents

A forest fire broke out on 17:03 in the Bozbük‑Gürçamlar area of Milas, Muğla Province. The cause remains unknown, but high temperatures and humidity below‑30 % have accelerated its spread. Six separate fires were reported across Muğla; five were already under control while the Milas blaze continued to be fought.

Aerial support included 12 helicopters and 8 aircraft, later supplemented by 6 helicopters and 5 planes as the fire grew. Ground crews deployed 11 dozers, 3 excavators, 62 water‑tanks, 62 arazöz, 29 water‑tankers, 40 support vehicles and 517 personnel, together with police and gendarmerie TOMA units. The operation was coordinated by the Muğla Forest Regional Directorate, AFAD, the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, and local fire and disaster‑management agencies.

Vali İdris Akbıyık announced that 350 hotel guests and 770 holiday‑site occupants – a total of 1,120 people – were evacuated as a precaution. He warned that the hot, dry weather would keep the fire risk high in the coming days. The fire was described as “largely under control,” but crews continued to monitor and suppress hotspots.

The incident has prompted a large‑scale emergency response, extensive aerial and ground firefighting, and the temporary relocation of residents from the affected tourism zones.